Equine Rescue Groups to Compete to Help At-Risk Horses

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has announced participants in its 2014 ASPCA Help A Horse Day grants contest, a nationwide competition for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about the work they do to care for at-risk horses who’ve been abused, neglected, or find themselves homeless.

Participating rescue groups will be competing for the chance to win one of five $10,000 grant prizes to assist their efforts to protect horses. Contestants will be judged on the creativity of their events, as well as their ability to engage the local community.

“Equine rescues and sanctuaries that step in to care for these horses give them a much-deserved new lease on life,” said Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund. “We were so impressed by the creativity and commitment of this year’s participants. They were clearly inspired by their deep passion for horse welfare, and embody the spirit and hope behind Help a Horse Day. It is the perfect opportunity for the horse-loving public to join with rescues to make an impact that will last far beyond the celebration day.”

More than 80 groups will be hosting events across 32 states on April 26, a date chosen for its significance to the ASPCA’s history of protecting horses. In 1866, ASPCA founder Henry Bergh stopped a cart driver from beating his horse, resulting in the first successful arrest for horse mistreatment on April 26 of that year.

In 2013 the ASPCA awarded $1.4 million in grants to support equine rescues and sanctuaries in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The grants were primarily awarded as part of the ASPCA Equine Fund, which provides resources—including financial help, in-person and online training, and sharing of best practices—to non-profit equine welfare organizations in the United States.

Featured Adoptable Horse

max

I bought him in 2011 from a farm where he had been since birth. he had been wearing a halter for so long I had to cut it off. he was a stallion when I got him and after working with him i had him castrated. i started lunging him in the ring and s ... Read More